‘Sweet Talk’ burlesque show leaves a sour taste

By Kathryn Reed

STATELINE – Techno meets burlesque with a side of Cirque du Soliel. It’s not a good combination.

“Sweet Talk: A Delicious Electro-Cirque Kiss” misses on nearly every mark.

The redeeming aspect of the 70-minute show at MontBleu is that the athleticism is near Olympic caliber. This is because of the acrobatics. The strength of the woman performing the acts is to be admired.

She did a pole dance of a different kind that proved agility and strength as she contorted her body into various positions. Then a ladder was suspended from the stage at an angle that allowed the performer to do a dance of sorts in a provocative manner.

South Lake Tahoe resident Angela Smith choreographed the aerial acts.

The two men in the show also put their muscles to use in ways that drew appreciative applause.

But the show is not sexy. The dancing is amateurish. The costumes are uninspiring. The singing is fair.

Burlesque shows can work; Jubilee is still a hit in Las Vegas. Folies Bergere had to call it quits in 2009 after 50 years. But both of those shows were choreographed in a classic showgirl tradition, with excellent dancers, multiple costume changes and a true show that captivated the audience.

And while Lake Tahoe is not Las Vegas on so many levels, there was a time when Stateline was known for topnotch entertainment. Now it’s hit or miss.

“Sweet Talk” at MontBleu is a definite miss.

Even though techno is popular, it doesn’t cross many generational lines. That’s a problem.

Shows like this should be fun and upbeat. Instead, the two of us were bored. The people in front of us didn’t find much to applaud. Our tablemates had a look as though they wished the show would end soon.

One of the more disturbing numbers was when the six women came out in black garb that covered their legs, arms, hands and face, while the skimpy clothes were electric neon. It was as though instead of “black face” they did “black body”.

What the point of bringing a male audience member onto stage was is still a mystery. That dance number didn’t work.

DJ Viola Lala Mia is near the back of the stage for most of the show on what looks like scaffolding. At the end of the show she puts on a fire eating shtick.

While it’s great to see a long-running show try to make it here, this just isn’t a show that should have made it to the stage.

Jessica Broyles, who owns Champagne Productions, created the show. The former Gardnerville resident now lives in Los Angeles.

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Notes:

• “Sweet Talk: A Delicious Electro-Cirque Kiss” is at MontBleu Fridays and Saturdays through April 5. Tickets are $20, plus tax and fees. For more info, call 888.829.7630.

• The show is dark March 8 and March 28.

• The show is 70 minutes.